Former Sauk Valley Predator Jereme Richmond shoots a 3 during a March 15 win over Bloomington in Sterling. Richmond was arrested Friday morning.

By RUTH FULLER, Special to the Chicago Tribune

Troubled former Illinois Mr. Basketball Jereme Richmond was ordered back to jail Friday morning after he was accused of making threats against his probation officer.

Weeks shy of completing his probation on an earlier weapons charge, Richmond now faces the prospect of years in prison if convicted on new felony charges of witness harassment and disorderly conduct.

Richmond, 21, of Waukegan, was due in court Friday morning. Authorities sought to revoke his probation because he refused to submit to court-ordered drug testing.

But Thursday, prosecutors said, Richmond showed up at the probation office, angrily confronted his probation officer about why he was being taken back to court, told her to “be safe,” left the building and then circled the parking lot in his car several times, making a hand gesture in the form of a gun.

Richmond joined the Sauk Valley Predators for a second season in February. But after a week of not showing up for practices or returning phone calls, he texted the team April 6 to say he quit.

“He kind of blindsided us,” Preds co-owner Leah Grenoble. “He said he had too many things going on his plate right now with family and other issues. It was just too much for him.”

A judge ordered Richmond held in Lake County jail in lieu of $250,000 bond.